Lafourche Dist. 1 candidates view the issues differently

Two candidates for Lafourche Parish Council District 1 say drainage is the top issue, but the third said he believes the position calls for a communicative councilman who will address constituents’ issues.

Jerry Jones, the Thibodaux district’s 57-year-old incumbent, said solutions to the drainage problem are being, and will continue to be, unveiled “diplomatically.” The most pressing drainage concern, he added, is digging a canal at East Minder Street that connects to the Leighton Pump Station and adding a 36-inch pump to the station.

“If we can get a canal dug there that drains straight to the Leighton Pump Station, we can alleviate a lot of problems in that area,” Jones said. “Also, we have some damaged culverts, some undersized culverts that need to be changed in the lower parts of the area.”

In addition to 16 years of experience on the council, Jones said his drive separates him from his opponents.

“I feel like District 1 needs somebody that is determined, that is eager, that is vibrant, open minded, trustworthy, energetic, and dedicated,” he said. “When you combine all of that together, it gives you one word: devoted. That’s the Jerry Jones in Lafourche Parish District 1. Devoted.”

Tyrone Williams, 36, also has experience representing the 1st District, serving on the council from 2004-2007. The owner of a bail bond service and a bar/restaurant, Williams agreed that drainage is the district’s top issue.

“We need to make sure the pump stations are working well and we have enough pumps to pump the water in one location,” Williams said. “We need every canal to be cleaned every year.”

The former councilman said the role of the position calls for a community servant and not a politician, a dynamic he would revive if re-elected.

“We need a councilman fulltime, not a politician,” he said. “Our people need to see their councilman with a need for their area, because sometimes the councilman don’t return their calls or is never seen. We need one who reaches out to the community more.”

Jimmy Wilson, the second challenger, owns an automobile detail shop and a collections agency. Drainage is a concern, but the real issue is electing somebody who is in-tune with the problems and will stop at nothing to find the answers, he said.

“We really need a councilman that’s available to the needs of the people when the people need them,” Wilson, 36, said. “That’s what my biggest thing is. People need a councilman they can get in touch with and that can come out to them and do whatever issue needs to be addressed at the time.”

Wilson said his “compassion” and drive to unearth solutions separates him and the rest of the field.

“If they (constituents) call me, I’m coming to do what they need to do,” he said. “I’m going to sit down and listen, and we’re going try to find out the most suitable solution for whatever problem that they have. I’m not going to stop until they have a suitable answer.”